Throughout the course of the Autumn and Spring term, twelve AS Level Business Studies pupils enrolled on a Sage @ School Instant Accounts course.  The on-line course gave pupils the opportunity to build skills, knowledge and competencies in the use of the Sage Accounts programme, which is widely used by accountants.  The Year 13 pupils entered both Book 1 and 2 exams which covered nominal, sales and purchases ledgers, VAT returns, bank reconciliation and the recording of customer and supplier invoices and credit notes.  In Book 2, Christian Catterson, Andrew McElhatton, Jason McFaul Aran Muttu achieved Distinctions, with scores of over 90%. 

Congratulations to all those pupils who sacrificed two Private Study periods each Wednesday morning to attend this enrichment class.

On Tuesday 19th March, the Upper Sixth A'Level Business Studies pupils attended a 'Doing Business In China' Seminar hosted by The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the University of Ulster, Office of Innovation, Ulster Business School and the Confucius Institute.  

The event, which included business speakers currently resident in China focused on cultural awareness and essential aspects of the legal and business differences between Europe and China.

The pupils found the speech by Ian Foster particularly interesting.  A native of Limavady, Ian moved to Hong Kong in 1991 where he rose to Director of RMJM before setting up his own company, Urban Design International Ltd in 1995.  He has worked extensively with the Hong Kong government in the building of major new cities in China.

Many congratulations to Adam Potts and Peter Doherty who represented Foyle College and came fifth in this year’s Investec Wealth & Investment School Share Race out of a total of 36 schools. 

The competition began last October and the boys were given a fictional £100,000 to invest in shares selected from the FTSE 350 Index.  Over the four month period the Index rose by 8% but Adam and Peter’s portfolio increased by 15.38%.  This is no mean feat in these volatile markets and would make many a seasoned broker envious in the current economic climate. 

Well done boys!

OnThursday 7^th February 2013, the Year 10 pupils attended a half-day business seminar entitled ‘Project Business NI’, which lifts the lid off the world of work.  Shaunagh Brolly (Training Manager, Young Enterprise) successfully co-ordinated the programme of events in the Junior School Assembly Hall and was ably assisted by the AS Level Business Studies students.  After a few ice-breaker games to get the pupils ‘warmed up’, the Year 10’s were soon gaining an insight into enterprise and an introduction to GCSE Business Studies.  The pupils explored a range of key business concepts through a variety of practical group-based activities,such as setting up their own bead making business.  The teams of pupils had to buy various materials from their suppliers and create beaded bracelets to sell to customers.  The pupils also learnt about health and safety in the work place, quality control and buying and selling shares in their own business and the other greeting card companies.  Following this activity, the pupils created an advertisement for a job vacancy and presented it to their peers. 

All those who attended experienced an enjoyable time.  ‘Project Business’ is certainly a popular way to introduce Business Studies to Key Stage 3 pupils prior to making their GCSE subject choices.

Thanks to the Lower / Upper Sixth Business Studies pupils who willingly gave up their time to help with the seminar.